ROANE COUNTY, Tenn. — On the second morning of trial, the defendant, Clifford Amos Koontz age 53, pled guilty to First Degree Murder for the killing of Deetta Weaver (age 24 of Knox County), accepting a life sentence with the possibility of parole in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The trial began on December 9, 2025, and the plea was entered before testimony resumed on day two. Other pending charges were dismissed as part of the agreement based on the defendant’s acceptance of a life sentence.

The State was prepared to prove that the defendant waited outside his residence on DeArmond Road in Kingston, TN for approximately 30 minutes or more leading up to the shooting, based on text messages sent beginning at approximately 12:02 a.m. indicating that he was outside waiting, followed by another message sent around 12:37 a.m. stating that he had killed Deetta. The State would have shown that when Ms. Weaver and the defendant’s ex-wife arrived and exited their vehicle, the defendant fired, killing Ms. Weaver outside the home.

Following the shooting, the defendant provided conflicting explanations to law enforcement, first claiming he went outside simply to check his mail and later stating he went outside to kill a raccoon. He also attempted to justify the shooting by referencing information he had heard alleging Ms. Weaver was threatening to harm his daughter; however, the defendant acknowledged he did not know where his daughter was that night, she was not present, and he could not clearly see Ms. Weaver at the time due to darkness and his own poor eyesight. The State was prepared to prove that the defendant stated he did not know Ms. Weaver was coming that night, yet the text messages and the extended time he waited outside suggested otherwise.

When law enforcement arrived, the defendant armed himself again inside the residence and fired multiple rounds toward deputies through the window and wall. The defendant then remained barricaded inside the residence for approximately one and a half hours, refusing repeated commands to exit, while deputies worked under continued threat to secure a witness, attempt to reach Ms. Weaver, and protect nearby residents.

Under Tennessee law, a life sentence with the possibility of parole requires the defendant to serve a minimum of 51 calendar years before being eligible to seek parole consideration. Eligibility does not guarantee release.

“This case reflects the reality of the risks law enforcement takes every time they respond to a call,” General Russell Johnson said. “Deputies were fired upon while attempting to rescue a wounded victim and safeguard others. Their response required professionalism, discipline, and courage, and we are grateful for their service.”

General Johnson recognizes the Roane County Sheriff’s Office and the Knox County Regional Forensic Center and Roane County 911 Communications center for their critical work and partnership throughout the investigation and prosecution. The defendant was represented by Kit Rodgers. The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Bob Edwards and Jonathan Edwards, with assistance from Victim Witness Coordinator Tami Legg.

“This resolution brings accountability for the life taken and the grave danger created,” District Attorney Johnson stated. “We remain committed to standing with victims, supporting their families, and backing the law enforcement professionals who protect this community.”